Mariano

I read somewhere that some people are covering (plugging) their engine bay heat extracting vents when they wash their cars. Of course, I'm talking about coupes and the rear vents that are along the sides of the rear widow.

If you are someone who does that, can you provide specific details on your technique? Photos?

Mariano

Poorhousenext

I haven't washed by C8 yet, It's been wrapped so get by with wand rinsing it off, an dry it by driving it.

It also sits outside all the time at this time uncovered at this time. Only time I've had water in Engine Bay is it I open the rear hatch before driving. Then water spills in to engine compartment at the Hinges at top. I do try to not spray water directly into the hatches vents. No biggie, if I do, as it been ceramic coated and doesn't spot. No soap in water either. Artic White C8.

Bluehinder

I've washed mine several times, all with a power washer. Everything got wet. Nothing bad happened. I suspect the engineers thought about it. Not sure why this is a problem.

Spamburger_Hamburger

I've seen someone using painters tape on them. But it's really not a big deal, people make the biggest deal out of little things.

Fritzep

I take two towels and roll them up so they are the width and length of the vents. When I wash the area, I go easy with the flow, trying not to hit the towels too much. Anyway it works for me. Doesn't get wet at all...

Bill Soda

I do the same thing...towels folded flat...works really good. Don't have to worry about rain cuz it never drives in the rain.

fastwheels

same process I use - a half dozen old towels folded up and placed under the vents and back of the rear glass. Using a power washer and trying to avoid the vents, the towels get 95% of the water that comes in. The bigger issue is when I open up the hatch and the water drops down in the front...

But - both are easily wiped up. After waiting for 15 months to get the car, I'm happy to have 'problems' like this!

Strake

THE ABSORBER.......

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I bought 3 of the 27" X 17" size to use. One down each side, and one stuffed under the glass opening on the bottom. Works very well. I dampen them, wring them out and fold them into a 27" X about 4" strip and place them over the vents. Keeps out about 99 % of the water.

starscream716

It's not that anyone thinks it's harming the engine, it's because keeping water out is a huge time saver for people who keep their car very detailed and virtually spotless. Otherwise it could take hours to get all the water spots out of the engine compartment.

Snake Slayer

I swiped a couple of large bath towels from the wife's collection. I usually back the car out of the garage, not letting the engine fully warmup lay the towels across the engine, and wash. Works like a charm... I call it the @Phil1098 mod .

LJT

I did not really have a problem with water getting into the engine bay when I washed my 2020 C8. I always hosed the water from the front to the rear. I sold my 2020 C8, but I have a 2021 on order. I plan to try the following.
Purchase a Silicone dog place mat.
Cut out rectangles to cover each roof vent on the sides of the rear glass.
Apply before I wash the C8.
I won't have the new C8 until March.
https://www.chewy.com/petfusion-prem...-cat/dp/109632
​​​​​​

RussM05

I don’t block the vents. After washing, I open the engine cover and wipe any water with a microfiber towel. Water is not a problem if it gets on the engine or components. All the electrical connections are weather pack to keep them dry.

C8TOY

I took the same approach asseveral other members. I cut "plugs" out of 1/2" foam tiles and numbered them on the back. I wipe out the vents with a damp microfiber and install the plugs. It takes just a sec. Cut them slightly larger than the vents for a snug fit. I also roll up a microfiber and tuck it below the glass vent.

JerryU

Exactly what I do. Heck your wiping the car after washing, just open the hatch and wipe the water off before it spots. I use a detail spray as have to clean off the dirt on parts anyway!

Blade2382

Or you can cheat like I do...and buy the waterless car wash from Aero and just wipe the car down using that, works just fine except insanely caked on mud, which you can rinse and then use the spray. And I am talking about the kind of caked on mud you get when taking your 4Runner off roading.

Fritzep

Waterless car wash??? Sounds like Witchcraft to me 🤔

JerryU

Just washed my car today. Very little water in the engine compartment. I just used a little Mothers Instant Detailer and wiped down the black areas and a quick wipe of my Edge Red engine cover.

Had a lot of water spots when I got the car but used Meguiar's water spot remover followed by their Ultimate Black. Used the Ultimate Black one additional time. So far no more water sports. In fairness have only driven in light rain a few times.

MitchAlsup

This sounds like a great opportunity for someone to develop a cover (complete with silicone edge seals) that snap over the vents so you can wahs the car and get no water in the engine bay.

Snap on,
wash
snap off

Presto:: done.

Blade2382

It works....I liberally used a half a bottle of this on my Camaro last Tuesday. I am one of those idiots who hates washing their own car but will wrench all day on it. So I just take it to the local autobell for a the cheap $6 rice and then hire a $200 detail 2-3x a year.

I was done in about 45 mins....and I honestly can’t wait to do it again in a week or so. https://washwax.com/collections/wash...h-wax-all-16oz

Grey

Budda say, mid engine cars and water dont mix. LOL